USA Private Label / OEM Manufacturing?

[rm20]

Hey all,

New to the community...this is my first post. Seems like a great place and I've already learned a lot!

I'm poking around on a side project and was hoping you might be able to point me in the right direction. I'm interested in learning more about any domestic (usa) companies that have private label programs for kitchen chef's knives.

I'd love to explore the feasibility of a USA-made cutlery line on par with (or better than) Wusthof quality and at better prices, sold direct to consumer. Pipe dream to have the quality, domestic manufacturing and compelling price point?

I found a place called Lamson & Goodnow that looks like they do runs of 200 knives or more and was wondering whether anyone might know of other places that might fit the bill too? Would be interested in starting with just one knife (a classic 8-9" chef's knife) and then seeing what happens after that.

Thanks so much for any help!

 

[Bob W]

Lamson was the first name that came to mind. They used to make many of the Chicago Cutlery kitchen knives, before C.C. started importing everything from China. Those old Chicago Cutlery knives weren't fancy or made with super-steels, but the quality was very good and they are classics in many American homes (and in my garage).

 

[rm20]

thanks bob!

looks like they do private label for a few other brands as well...i'm not too familiar with these > http://www.lamsonsharp.com/store/pg/30-Private-Label-O-E-M-Custom-Projects.html

Ken Onion / ChefWorks (click HERE to see why Ken Onion came to Lamson)
Richmond Knives (www.richmondknives.com)
New West Knifeworks (www.newwest.com)
NHB Knifeworks (www.nhbknifeworks.com)
Northwoods Knives (www.northwoodsknives.com)
Longaberger (www.longaberger.com)
Areaware (www.areaware.com)
Macklin Knives (Macklin)